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Mexican-Born Forward Karim Lopez Declares for 2026 NBA Draft

The 6-foot-9 NBL forward starts the pre-draft process with ESPN ranking him the top international prospect at No. 11.

Overview

  • He is widely projected as a first-round pick and could become the first Mexican-born player ever selected in the first round.
  • Playing for the NBL’s New Zealand Breakers, he averaged 11.9 points and 6.1 rebounds and set the Next Stars single-season scoring mark with 358 points.
  • He posted a 32-point game on January 30 against Melbourne, a breakout that helped fuel rising draft interest.
  • Scouts cite his size, reported 7-foot-1 wingspan, ball skills and toughness, with perimeter shooting and explosiveness flagged for improvement.
  • Key dates now include the NBA Draft Combine from May 10–17 in Chicago and the draft in late June.